Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache Frosting

This chocolate cake is everything a chocolate lover dreams of: moist, rich, and covered in a silky chocolate ganache. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress with its deep chocolate flavor and luxurious texture.

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water or hot coffee (for a deeper flavor)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 12 oz (about 2 cups) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

Make the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper circles.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
   • Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with a mixer on medium speed until well combined.
4. Add Boiling Water/Hot Coffee:
   • Carefully stir in the boiling water or hot coffee. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay—this helps create a moist cake.
5. Bake:
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.

Make the Chocolate Ganache:

1. Heat the Cream:
   • In a medium saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
2. Add the Chocolate:
   • Remove the cream from the heat and add the chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract if using.
3. Cool the Ganache:
   • Allow the ganache to cool at room temperature until it thickens to a spreadable consistency. You can also refrigerate it, but make sure to stir it occasionally.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Layer the Cakes:
   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of ganache over the top.
   • Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining ganache over the top and sides of the cake.
2. Decorate:
   • Use a spatula to create swirls or patterns in the ganache if desired.
3. Serve:
   • Let the ganache set at room temperature before slicing and serving. This cake is delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache Frosting is a classic that never goes out of style. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just when you need a chocolate fix. Enjoy!